The United States Constitution is the supreme legal text that forms the framework of the United States government. It was written by the Constitutional Convention of 1787 which debated many plans and compromises. The existing Congress sent it to the 13 states; after heated debates all 13 states ratified it in 1788 and it started in operation in 1789, with George Washington the first president, as the first Congress met in New York City.

It is the oldest written national constitution. (San Marino did not write one until the 20th century.) [1]

Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17th, and all public schools are required to devote attention to it that day.

Established on November 26, 1789, the first national "Thanksgiving Day" was originally created by George Washington as a way of "giving thanks" for the Constitution. [2]

The U.S. Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors so that outside interests could not interfere. Historians believe that the delegates did keep absolute secrecy.

Some of the original framers and many delegates in the state ratifying conventions were troubled that the original Constitution lacked a guarantee of individual rights to protect them against the federal government. Supporters promised such a "bill of rights" and in 1791 the first ten amendments were ratified and became known as "The Bill of Rights". [3] After the Civil War, the Constitution was amended to prevent state governments from infringing on the rights of the people.

Constitutional Principles

The Constitution of the United States of America specifies the laws by which The United States government is allowed to govern, included among these are the Freedom of Religion, Freedom of The Press, Freedom of Speech, and the right of habeas corpus (Amendment XIV). It also, helps to guarantee the rights of the minorities by rule of law, such as African Americans and other minority groups, and to guarantee religious freedoms. It also defines a system of checks and balances by establishing three separate but equal branches of government (Legislative, Judicial and Executive), and lists the of powers not specified in The Constitution are reserved to the states and to the people. It also established a representative republic form of government, by the consent of the governed.

Preamble

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We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

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Articles

The US Constitution contains seven articles, followed by twenty-seven amendments. Click the Article names to read a full description of each article.